The state Public Utility Commission yesterday released the schedule of impact fees from natural gas drilling in Pennsylvania, and it’s the first time in four years the fees have gone up, crossing the $200 million line. More than $209.5 million will be distributed statewide, with $169,713 allocated for Indiana County and another $17,400 to 38 municipalities within Indiana County. Sixty percent of the funds will go to the counties and municipalities in which the wells are located. The other forty percent is earmarked for the Marcellus Legacy Fund.
Among Indiana County municipalities sharing in the Marcellus impact fees, the largest disbursements will be for Center Township ($36,940.05), Cherryhill Township ($22,299.02), Green Township ($18,005.68), North Mahoning Township ($15,831.16), and Young Township ($11,614.70).
Indiana County’s total is about $33,000 more than it received last year. The total disbursements for municipalities are about $3,500 more than last year. The funds will be distributed next month.
